Charleston and Barbados to Celebrate Shared History with Upcoming Festival in 2026

Charleston’s Historical Ties with Barbados: A Festival on the Horizon

Recently, our beautiful city of Charleston was graced by the presence of Kevin Farmer, a visionary from Barbados who has dreams of rekindling a historical bond that stretches back over 350 years. Imagine an annual festival dedicated to celebrating the rich and intertwined histories of Charleston and the Caribbean nation of Barbados. Sounds exciting, right?

Planting the Seeds of Connection

As the deputy director at the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, Farmer has a passion for connecting the cultural dots between his homeland and South Carolina. Sitting in the sun at the McLeod Plantation Historic Site on James Island, he spoke about how this idea has been simmering for over three decades, fueled by the efforts of the Barbados and the Carolinas Legacy Foundation. Farmer emphasized that while tourism has played a role in showcasing this connection, there’s a stronger hope for heritage institutions to collaborate and create something deeper.

Home is Where the Heart Is

Farmer envisions the festival, tentatively dubbed “Down Home,” to kick off in 2026. The essence of this name resonates with many Bajans living abroad, who often refer to returning to their ancestral land as going “down home.” The festival would bring together both nations, perhaps even having significant events hosted at the International African American Museum (IAAM) here in Charleston.

Engaging with Local Heritage

Farmer also sees an opportunity aligning with the IAAM’s hosting of the Museum Association of the Caribbean annual meeting next year. Here, he hopes to pitch plans for simultaneous events in both countries. The quaint community of Speightstown in Barbados could be a significant site for the Caribbean’s side of the festival.

Building Relationships

Ashlei Elise, the IAAM’s freshly appointed chief marketing officer, echoed Farmer’s enthusiasm, stating their eagerness to begin discussions about this annual festival. According to Brandon Reid, IAAM’s public historian, the shared legacy of migration, trade, and cultural influences between Charleston and Barbados makes this connection incredibly meaningful.

Sharing Knowledge and Culture

However, there’s more at stake than just the celebration. Rhoda Green, who is the president of the Barbados and the Carolina Legacy Foundation, mentions that this festival idea is just a seed; a solid plan needs to be cultivated and developed with the community. Sandy Slater from the College of Charleston points out that although some locals are aware of this long history, many are not. This festival could provide a fantastic opportunity to share not only food traditions and architectural history but also the often painful truths surrounding the origins of the Carolina colony.

A Look Ahead to the Future

Farmer’s vision for 2026 also coincides nicely with the upcoming 400th anniversary of England claiming Barbados for King James I. This year is bound to attract attention due to significant historical events in both regions. Additionally, the year 2028 will mark Bridgetown, Barbados’ capital, turning 400 years old! Farmer argues that these milestones present a ripe opportunity to share stories of sugar, rum, and the complex narratives tied to enslavement, which connect both Charleston and Barbados.

Exploring the Past to Inform the Present

Farmer and his colleague, Elizabeth Hinds, who is the chief guide at the Barbados Museum, were fascinated as they walked through Charleston. They noticed the many Barbados influences woven into local place names, architectural styles, and culinary scenes. Farmer also pointed out the importance of understanding the fate of the 200 to 300 enslaved people who were brought directly from Barbados to Charleston—a historical aspect that deserves further exploration.

This potential festival not only aims to highlight these deep-rooted connections but also hopes to remind everyone of the complex and often painful history we share. The dream is bold, but with a community effort and passion, it could blossom into something truly special.